21 Holiday rib end repair

[Detroitriverrat]

I picked up a 21' holiday that I will be converting to a center console. I have a few spots that the rib ends are cracked. The previous owner welded over the cracks from the bottom. I am wanting to stiffen that whole corner up to prevent any more cracking. I originally planned on welding supports in but then began thinking about using blind rivers instead. Would I be better to use rivets or be fine to weld them in.

 

[Watermann]

I wouldn't go welding on a riveted boat, especially near the seams. Welding the cracks wasn't the cure for the cause of the problem. Was the boat rebuilt and what year is it, up to the mid 70's SCs didn't have the hull braces that keep the side spray rail from cracking out and those rib end cracks from forming. Are you wanting to add braces to your holiday? No way I would use blinds, they are not strong enough to use on structural pieces. Solids are the rivet of choice for these old boats.

Post some pics up of your Holly.

 

[Detroitriverrat]

It's a 72, not sure on it's past, I bought as a bare hull. I will be adding braces to the boat.

 

[jbcurt00]

Adding braces? Where? That may not be necessary, and could transfer stress from 1 part of the boat to another that isnt designed to carry that stress......

Pix and more info the

adding braces

 

[Watermann]

It's a 72, not sure on it's past, I bought as a bare hull. I will be adding braces to the boat.

Ok I got an idea now of what you're dealing with, that makes it way easier to repair being bare. Without pics we have to guess on the state of the boat. Man I love seeing these old SCs worked on and put back on the water. I'm glad you're considering these boats issues like rib end cracks and wanting to repair it right. I've seen way too many guys say there's no problem and just move on with their rebuild.

The main problem with retro fitting the braces is that the rib ends are not bent to allow the brace to go underneath between the bottom and rib like SC later incorporated into the boats. On my Chief I did a work around by putting the braces in between the ribs and a backer plate on the bottom of the boat on the outside. Another help was I added 1" firing strips to the top of the ribs which ties them all together but mainly it was done to raise the deck to accommodate a belly fuel tank. The braces being between the ribs isolates the V of the spray rail which will flex and crack open the side of the boat.

These issues are a result of the boat being used with rot compromised transom, decking and side panels.

Here's a couple pics of what I described above.

Braces installed.

Backer patch on underside at rib end.

 

[Detroitriverrat]

Watermann, I have seen your fix, and originally was going to go with the same idea. But I will be changing and new route should tie it all together. I will be raising the floor up about 2" as the boat is already very deep. Side will be tied together and to the floor ribs. Just got to get my aluminum cut up.

 

[Detroitriverrat]

Watermann, I have seen your fix, and originally was going to go with the same idea. But I will be changing and new route should tie it all together. I will be raising the floor up about 2" as the boat is already very deep. Side will be tied together and to the floor ribs. Just got to get my aluminum cut up.